Drug Detoxification

What is drug detox?

If you struggle with drug addiction and want to begin your journey to overcoming it, you’ll likely need to go through a drug detoxification program first. If you’re looking for options for drug detox in Ohio or out-of-state, we can provide the information you need.

Drug detoxification is the name of the process in which your body rids itself of the substances you’ve used. In getting rid of traces of these drugs, you may go through withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms might include, among others:

Convulsions

Hallucinations

Anxiety

Nausea

Vomiting

Abdominal cramping

Muscle aches

Drug detox programs typically deal with the management of these symptoms, often using medications such as methadone and buprenorphine.

It’s important to note that detoxification is not enough on its own. If you struggle with dependence, you will want to seek out additional treatment programs to fully overcome your addiction.

Call one of our addiction specialists today at (866) 272-7830 for more information on the detox process.

Types of drug detox programs

There are different types of drug detox programs that you can choose from. Each person’s case is different, so different programs may work better for different people.

Medically supervised inpatient drug detox may be the way to go if you’ve used a large amount of addictive drugs. If you experience hallucinations or seizures as withdrawal symptoms, drug and alcohol inpatient treatment in Ohio or out-of-state inpatient addiction treatment may also help you to go through the detox process safely. This type of treatment typically takes place in specialized detoxification facilities or in hospitals.

Drug detox can also take place on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home. Outpatient drug detoxification may be ideal for those who have children or families at home or who have jobs to return to. These treatments work best for those suffering from milder withdrawal symptoms, such as those related to prescription opioids and alcohol use.

What you can expect during drug detox

When you’re ready to enter into a drug detoxification program, it can help to have an idea of what to expect when you go in for treatment. The first thing you can expect is an evaluation. Medical staff will test for substances in your system and may also screen you for co-occurring mental conditions. During this evaluation, staff might also gauge which post-detox drug rehabilitation treatments would be best for you.

After your evaluation, you’ll begin the process of stabilization. This process may or may not involve medications to treat withdrawal symptoms, depending upon the level of addiction and which drugs were used. Family and friends may be asked to help out during this process.

Once your body has rid itself of traces of the substance, you’ll be prepared to enter into an Ohio drug addiction recovery program or a recovery program that’s out-of-state. You may be admitted into an inpatient drug rehabilitation program or get set up with outpatient behavioral therapy. You might be asked to sign a voluntary contract stating that you will seek post-detox treatment.

In all steps of the process, you can expect to have access to medical staff, should you need it, as well as the information that you need to overcome your addiction. You’ll be treated with compassion and respect.

Medication-assisted drug detox

Depending on the substance you are struggling with, you might be prescribed a number of different medications during the detox process.

Naltrexone – This medication can be taken orally every day or via injection once each month. It blocks the effects of opioids while not being addictive itself. However, it may not be as effective for those with more severe addictions.

Methadone – This medication is used to help treat addiction to opioids. It is taken orally on a daily basis and helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms while also reducing the euphoric effects that these drugs can have.

Buprenorphine – This medication, also used to treat opioids, is taken either orally or under the tongue. It has the ability to suppress cravings for a substance.

Antidepressants may also be prescribed in order to combat some of the psychological effects of drug withdrawal. You might be required to continue taking these medications after detox during the rehabilitation and recovery processes.

Withdrawal symptoms can be scary, and the risk of relapsing and falling back into drug abuse can be worrisome too. However, with the right drug detox program and medications, you can relax and rest easy knowing that your symptoms will be less severe and monitored by medical staff.

If you would like more information on the medications you may be asked to take as a part of drug detox in Ohio or at a drug detox program that’s out-of-state, call (866) 272-7830 today. Our addiction specialists can help get you the information you need.

What’s next?

After you have gone through the detox phase of treatment, you might feel as though you have your addiction under control. However, detox is not a treatment on its own. After detox, it’s important to follow up with an outpatient or inpatient drug abuse treatment program in order to reduce the chances of a relapse.

During the following treatments, you can expect to participate in individual and group counseling, behavioral therapies, and other activities that can help you reach the underlying issues leading to your addiction. You won’t go through these alone, and you’ll still have access to medical staff who can help you if withdrawal symptoms return.

After your outpatient or inpatient addiction treatment in Ohio, you can move on to recovery. Many drug treatment programs aim not only to help you detox and overcome your addiction but also to help you get back on your feet afterward. Some recovery programs will give you information to help you get a stable job, go to back to school, and resume your day-to-day life without the fear of succumbing to addiction and relapsing into drug use.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction in Ohio, you aren’t alone. Our specialists can help you find the drug detox and rehabilitation treatment that’s right for you. Give us a call at (866) 272-7830 today!